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Everything You Need To Know About Enrolling In or Qualifying For An Electricity Senior Discount

Your golden years. Meant to be spent on the deck of a cruise ship sipping a martini or reading to your grandchildren. 

But now, as you research electricity plans and try to understand the Texas Electricity Senior Discount, you feel like retirement isn’t all it was cracked up to be. You’ve got a headache from your computer when all you wanted was to make sure you had the best deal on electricity.

Comparative shopping for electricity is a young person’s game! With Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool, you can find the lowest electricity prices and regain your retirement bliss in minutes!

 

This guide will outline which Texas Retail Electric Providers offer electricity senior discounts, how to find out if you’re eligible and more.

Do Seniors Get A Discount On Electricity?

If you’re wondering, “Do seniors get discounts on electricity?” The simple answer is yes.

Generally speaking, there are many programs that offer electricity senior discounts in Texas.

From cash grants to free home energy repairs and services, there are many ways seniors can save when it comes to electricity.

But before we even introduce you to some of those programs and REPs that provide electricity senior discounts, there is one simple, fast and fool-proof way to make sure your current electricity situation is really the best one for you.

Enter: Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool.

It’s simple. You start by entering:

• Your zip-code
• The size of your home
• A few other relevant pieces of information

Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool will compare all of the plans available in your area and give you the best overall option in under five minutes.

And because Power Wizard always has your best electricity interest in mind, we’ll also:

• Manage the entire enrollment process
• Take care of your switch from one REP to another
• Continually monitor your usage and the market
• Let you know if a better plan that saves you money becomes available and help you switch again

You see, having the right electricity plan is the first place to start when you are looking for ways to cut back or save on your monthly electricity bill.

Power Wizard has that part covered for you.

Now that you are sure you’ve got the right plan for your unique energy needs let’s see if you or your loved one is eligible for other electricity senior discounts.

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How To Find Out If You Are Eligible For A Senior Discount On Electric Bill

The first thing to know is that being “eligible” for a senior citizen discount for electricity will depend on which program you are applying to.

Eligibility requirements typically include:

• Age
• Annual household income

There are a number of state-funded discounts and REP programs that vary in their eligibility terms.

The good thing is that finding out if you are eligible is often pretty simple.

Many income requirements are based on federal poverty guidelines. They can depend on monthly income and how many members are in the household.

As long as you are:

• Willing to fill out a few application forms
• Provide proof of age and income

You are one step closer to getting you or your loved one the electricity senior discount they deserve.

3 Programs That Offer An Electricity Bill Discount For Senior Citizens

We’ll introduce you to three programs that are available to you as a Texas citizen and that offer electricity senior discounts.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program are two of those programs.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs contracts with local agencies to provide bill payment assistance under both programs.

To qualify for either of these programs in Texas, household income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

It’s important to note that both the LIHEAP and Weatherization Assistance Programs are not entitlement programs, and access is limited by funding.

The LIHEAP and weatherization programs are available in each of the 254 Texas counties.

Program 1: Weatherization Assistance Program

This program helps you conserve energy and lower your energy bills by providing free home energy repairs and services.

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You can get help with insulation of:

• Doors
• Windows
• Floors
• Walls
• Ducts
• Water heaters

Other repairs and services include:

• Caulking
• Weatherstripping
• Emergency repair of air conditioners and furnaces
• Replacement of high-efficiency window air conditioners, high-efficiency lighting, and refrigerators

You can also get help modifying your furnace and other heating devices to help them work better.

You or your loved one can benefit from this program at no cost.

How To Enroll

It is important to note that weatherization funds are very limited in deregulated service areas.

You can locate the weatherization assistance program agencies that serve your area by:

• Calling toll free (888) 606-8889
• Or find more information online

Program 2: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP program provides your household with an annual cash grant to help you meet your:

• Home heating and cooling costs
• Bill payment assistance
• Energy crisis assistance
• Weatherization
• Energy-related home repairs

The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company.

Grants can be used for:

• Attic insulation
• Floors
• Exposed water pipes
• The tune-up, repair, or replacement of heating units or air conditioners in your home

How To Enroll

In order to determine your eligibility and qualify for the LIHEAP program, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs.

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Additionally, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is less than or equal to the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)

If you’re looking to find out if you or your loved one might be eligible, you’ll need to contact Texas’ state office.

The Texas LIHEAP office contact is Mr. Michael DeYoung, Community Affairs Director for the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs.

You can reach Mr. DeYoung by:

• Phone: (512) 475-3951
• Fax: (512) 475-3935
• E-mail: michael.deyoung@tdhca.state.tx.us

Program 3: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program designed to assist low-income elderly and/or disabled households in meeting their immediate energy needs.

The goal is to provide relief to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling from fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance.

It also provides assistance:

• In an energy-related crisis
• During severe weather
• During supply shortages

A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the…

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

…may be automatically eligible.

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How To Enroll

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must:

• Be a resident of the state of Texas
• Have an annual household income (before taxes) that is less than or equal to the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)

In order to apply, you will need to get in contact with your local subrecipient agency.

To do that, you have two options:

1. From a landline, call toll-free at 1-877-399-8939 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The toll-free number will directly connect you with the CEAP service provider in your county.
2. Visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and select “Utility Bill Payment Help.”

Other Electricity Senior Discount Programs

Some regulated and municipal electric providers waive fees or provide other discounts to senior and low-income customers.

A few providers who offer discounts include:

• Austin Energy
• El Paso Electric
• Entergy Gulf States

You can always ask your electricity provider if you are eligible for any special programs.

But remember, you don’t need to switch or sign up with a new REP to reap the benefits of senior electricity discounts.

Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool will find you the best plan for your unique electricity needs so you can be sure you’re saving money every month.

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3 REPs That Offer An Electricity Discount For Seniors

There are a number of retail electric providers (REPs) in Texas that offer electricity discounts for seniors.

The first step to enrolling in or applying for one of these REPs programs is to be a customer of that REP.

Now first things first, why do you even have the choice of what REP you want to do business with?

Deregulation in Texas was introduced via the passing of Senate Bill 7 back in 2002, and because of it, you have the ability to:

• Shop for the best electricity rate in your area
• Compare different REPs
• Choose a plan based on your specific energy needs
• Take advantage of incentivized offers
• Switch providers and plans at any time
• Most importantly, save money

Deregulation allows Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) to offer various rates, plan types, and different levels of flexibility to consumers like you.

Now, most Texas cities have retail electric choice (thanks to deregulation), but there are some cities and areas in Texas that do not.

When lawmakers deregulated electricity in Texas in 2002, it allowed cities such as San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos, and El Paso — as well as areas served by electric cooperatives — to remain regulated markets with a single provider.

So be sure that the REP you’re looking into services the area of Texas that you call home.

Let’s take a look at a few Texas REPs that offer programs or electricity senior discounts for eligible customers.

REP #1: Austin Energy

Customers on low or fixed incomes who participate in a certain state, federal, or local assistance programs can benefit from the City of Austin’s Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) utility discounts.

CAP Utility Bill Discounts can help reduce utility bills by an average of $650 a year.

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What Does The Discount Provide?

The CAP program provides you with discounts on your monthly electric and water bills if you receive certain other assistance programs.

If you qualify, you may be eligible for the following waivers and discounts:

• Electric Service Customer Charge waiver
• Discount on your total electrical usage
• Discount on your Community Benefit Charges
• Water Service Customer Charge waiver
• Water Tiered Fixed Charge waiver
• Water Volume Charge discount
• Wastewater Service Customer Charge waiver
• Wastewater Volume Charge Discount
• Drainage Fee 50% discount

How To Know If You Are Eligible For An Electricity Senior Discount With Austin Energy

You may be eligible if you or someone in your household participates in one of these programs:

• Medicaid Program
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Telephone Lifeline Program
• Travis County Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
• Medical Access Program (MAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

You may also be eligible for the program if your household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

How To Apply

In order to apply, you’ll need to:

1. Print the application.
2. Complete the application (include documentation of participation in one of the above programs) and send it to: City of Austin Utilities – Customer Care Contact Center – Customer Assistance Programs
   PO Box 848
   Killeen, Texas 76540-9915
3. You may also fax the form to 855-319-6629 or call 855-319-6630 to request a form by mail.

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REP #2: CPS Energy

CPS Energy’s discount program takes into account seniors who may be living on a fixed income.

Their Senior Citizen Billing Program allows customers additional time to pay the net amount of energy bills.

However, CPS Energy also offers another discount to eligible seniors.

Their Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver waives any late payment fees.

What Does The Discount Provide?

If you or your loved one qualifies for the Senior Citizen Billing Program, you or they would receive 25 days, instead of the normal 16 days, to pay the monthly electricity bill.

Additionally, qualifying seniors would also be eligible to have their late payment fees waived.

How To Know If You Are Eligible For An Electricity Senior Discount With CPS Energy

To be eligible, the following conditions must be met:

• The person whose name appears on the CPS Energy account must be at least 60 years of age
• The program can only be applied to the customer’s principal residence

Residential customers of CPS Energy who meet the following requirements are eligible for the Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver:

• Individual 60 years of age or older
• Be the person whose name is on the utility bill (customer of record)
• Income at or below 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

How To Apply

You can apply for enrollment in the Senior Citizen Billing Program by completing an online application, visiting one of CPS Energy’s customer service centers, or by calling (210) 353-2222.

To apply for the Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver, you or your loved one just need to complete the following form.

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REP #3: New Braunfels Utilities

New Braunfels Utilities offers a number of discounts to its senior customers through their Senior Citizen Billing Program.

What Does The Discount Provide?

New Braunfels Utilities offers senior customers:

• Deferred payment of utility bills
  • Extended due date to 25 days after the bill issue date
• No penalty for late payment

How To Know If You Are Eligible For An Electricity Senior Discount With New Braunfels Utilities

New Braunfels Utilities offers deferred payment of utility bills to senior citizens who are of 60 years of age or older.

NBU may require a person applying for payment deferral to present reasonable proof that they are 60 years of age or older.

It is important to note that in order to be eligible, the deferral payment may be applied to the customer’s primary residence account only.

How To Apply

Eligible customers interested in the program can:

• Fill out a [Senior Citizen Billing Application](http://www.nbutexas.com/Portals/11/pdf/Senior Citizen Billing 7-09.pdf)
• Fax it to: (830) 629-2119
• Mail it to: NBU, P.O. Box 310289, New Braunfels, TX 78131-0289

Let Power Wizard Save You Money

Many of the programs we’ve shown you here have eligibility requirements and applications that must be submitted and approved before you’re able to redeem your electricity senior discount.

That can feel tedious and overwhelming.

You’re looking for a quick, free, easy way to save some money on your electricity bill, whether you are on a fixed income or not.

Power Wizard can help you find the best plan possible, whether you or your loved one qualify for electricity senior discounts or programs or not.

How Seniors Can Get the Best Plan for Their Energy Needs

When you use Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool, you eliminate the need to call every REP that services your area to see which one would offer you the best deal.

Seniors can use Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool themselves, or a loved one can use it on their behalf.

And no need to remember loads of information, either.

Power Wizard can save you valuable time and money, and our Shopping Tool is a free step you can take to ensure you aren’t wasting a dollar.

How To Use Power Wizard’s, Shopping Tool

All you need to know is:

• Your zip-code
• The size of your home
• A few other relevant pieces of information

Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool will compare all of the plans available in your area and give you the best overall option.

Now that sounds like the best electricity senior discount of them all.